The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The sixth edition of the Ford Island Conquest late last week at the specially-designed off-road track at the Arca South in Taguig City proved to be an exhilarating experience especially to those Ford vehicle owners and soon-to-own Ford trucks and even to those guests who came for the test-drive.
The four-day event surprised them on the ease of handling and driving the new-generation Ford vehicles that were recently introduced in the local market.
Leading them is the next-gen Ford Raptor that is dubbed as the ultimate performance truck with 2.5-inch FOX shocks, Trail Control System, 7 driving modes, and 17-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich K02 high performance all-terrain tires and being driven by a powerful 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine mated with the 10-speed automatic transmission with e-Shifter that produces 210PS max power and 500Nm max torque. It is being sold for a very attractive P2.339-million and comes with 5-year warranty and in five colors that include Arctic White, Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, and Code Orange (additional P15,000).
Designed and engineered by Ford Performance, the Next-Gen Raptor is an optimized high-performance off-road pickup truck equipped with a reliable, powerful and efficient powertrain, smart technologies and advanced safety features to elevate the standard of off-road driving. Like its predecessor, the Next-Gen Raptor showcases a commanding look and presence on its exterior, while delivering comfort and convenience inside.
“Rooted in our Ford Performance DNA, the Next-Gen Raptor is more capable and tougher than ever. It is designed to conquer any terrain with a bold new look and powerful performance with major upgrades and enhancements to already-popular features that Filipino customers have grown to love,” says Mike Breen, the managing director of Ford Philippines. “We are truly excited for the return of the Raptor brand, and we are confident that the second-generation Raptor will continue to resonate with performance pickup enthusiasts in the country.”
Aside from the Ford Raptor, the 4×4 track allowed the participants to experience first-hand the segment-leading features and capabilities of the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 and Everest Titanium+ 4×4 vehicles and even the next-gen Ford Territory as they go through various driving courses and challenges.
Breen also introduced Dan Ciccocioppo, the T6 Global Program manager and Product Development Launch manager of Ford Motor Company, who explained a plethora of exciting features of the Ford Raptor.
“When we started working on the Next-Gen Raptor, we decided early on to go all out in the pursuit of creating the ultimate Ranger. Our team has worked incredibly hard to ensure it is built on the benchmark that we established in 2018 when we first launched the nameplate. Through simulator tests, computer modeling and punishing real-world testing in the Australian outback, we’ve improved key areas like steering, ride and handling at high and low speeds, on- and off-road. This takes what was an already incredible platform and we further leveled it up to deliver an outstanding driving experience for our Next-Gen Raptor customers,” Ciccocioppo added.